Physically or Mentally Challenged Travellers
Travel presents challenges even to the most able bodied traveller. Each of the subheadings within this site will equally apply to those falling under this heading.
However, if you intend to travel you will probably require more advance planning and information. If you book your travel through a main travel organiser, be sure to obtain clear advices and information on how you will be managed onto your flight, transfers or what facilities you may need or experience upon your arrival.
For example, one disabled traveller purchased a package holiday expecting a bathroom with hand rails on the left of the toilet. This assumption was based upon the photograph contained in the brochure. However, when he arrived he found the rail was on the right. This was also found to be the case within all the bathrooms of the hotel.
The photograph in the brochure had clearly been ‘reversed’ and no special requests had been made.
The practical implications on his holiday were evident!
Never rely totally on the photographic representation of the brochure. Check with your travel organiser as to the facilities of where you intend to go. Provide as much detail as possible on your personal ’living’ requirements.
If appropriate set these out in writing and obtain confirmation from your travel organiser, in writing, that these needs will be met. Ensure that you do this before you go!
If you normally travel with ‘specialist’ organisers apply the same or similar methodology. Always check with your medical advisors for any additional health precautions you may need to take. Check with the Embassy of the country that you intend to visit that you can ‘import’ any medication you may need during your stay.
Always purchase adequate travel insurance ensuring that you advise the insurance fully of all your medical conditions. For more information visit the European Disability Forum website
Click on the links below for further information on UK disability organisations:
HTW has noted that amongst the submissions to the Committee on Toxicity (COT) it has been suggested that the symptoms highlighted by crew and passengers were akin to the condition of hyperventilation.
HTW has for many years received reports from concerned holiday makers or independent travellers as to the safety of their aircraft, ship or boat, train or road transport.
